Most tourists head to Norway for the fjords and the northern lights. While they are, of course, breathtaking, they are far from the only attractions that Norway hides. Join us as we follow the footsteps of Viking kings, ancient builders of wooden churches, and daring seafarers. These historical places in Norway are ones you cannot miss.
Urnes Stave Church
Among the oldest preserved wooden structures in the world are the Norwegian stave churches, of which only 28 remain today. This, the oldest surviving stave church in Norway, is nearly 900 years old. Visitors are enchanted by its intricate carvings that combine Christian motifs with pagan ornaments. Due to its uniqueness, it rightfully belongs to the list of Norwegian historical sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The church stopped being regularly used in 1881, when the Urnes parish was dissolved. Currently, it is only used for special events, such as baptisms and weddings. However, it is open to the public, and you can even book a tour.
Travel tip: In Norway, there is the so-called “Stave Church Road” (Stavkyrkjeveien)—a thematic route connecting six preserved stave churches. This 300-kilometer-long road winds through picturesque landscapes between Oslo and Bergen.
Bryggen
A walk along the wooden walkways of this historic harbor district in Bergen will transport you back to the days when the Hanseatic trade flourished here. The colorful wooden buildings, which once served as warehouses and merchant offices, are among the most significant historical sites in Norway. Each building, each winding alley, tells the story of merchants who, for centuries, exchanged dried cod for grain and luxury goods from all over Europe.
Despite several devastating fires, Bryggen has preserved its medieval layout. Today, these historic buildings house cozy cafes, galleries, and artisan workshops that beautifully maintain the original spirit of this charming place.
Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim
The cathedral in Trondheim is the largest medieval structure in all of Scandinavia. It was originally built over the tomb of Saint Olaf, the patron saint of Norway, and remains the site of the coronation of Norwegian kings.
Its construction, which lasted over 230 years, was well worth the effort, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece—hundreds of statues, intricate stained glass windows, and the majestic western facade make it one of the most impressive sites you must visit in Norway.
Travel tip: If you visit Nidaros Cathedral between June and August, don’t miss the guided tour, during which you’ll climb 172 steps to the tower from the 12th century. In addition to the unforgettable view of Trondheim, you’ll also see the original medieval crane from 1328, which is still used in the cathedral’s restoration work.
Akershus Fortress
Perched on a rocky promontory above the harbor in Oslo stands the monumental medieval fortress. Since the 13th century, it has protected the city from enemies and remains a symbol of Norwegian independence. A walk along the ramparts offers stunning views of the fjord and a glimpse into Norway’s military history. The fortress also houses the tomb of the Norwegian kings and a museum dedicated to the resistance during World War II.
Rock Art of Alta
In the northernmost part of Norway lies one of the most remarkable historical sites in Norway—the rock carvings in Alta. Over 6,000 prehistoric petroglyphs etched into the rocks tell the story of life during the Stone Age and the early Bronze Age. Images of hunters, shamans, reindeer, and boats document the lives of the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia for nearly 5,000 years.
The modern visitor center and wooden walkways allow you to view these fascinating artistic depictions up close. Particularly striking are the scenes of hunting, ritual dances, and daily life, which provide a unique insight into the minds of our ancestors. UNESCO has rightly included this site on the World Heritage List—it is the largest collection of rock carvings in Northern Europe.
Steilneset Memorial
Another notable Norwegian historical site is a more modern memorial that commemorates a dark chapter in European history. In the town of Vardø, the northernmost point of continental Europe, stands the impressive Steilneset Memorial. It honors the 91 victims of the 17th-century witch trials. The long white structure, reminiscent of fish racks, features 91 windows and 91 light bulbs—each symbolizing one victim.
Travel tip: A visit to the Steilneset Memorial in Vardø pairs perfectly with a tour of the impressive Vardøhus Fortress—the northernmost fortress in the world and the oldest Norwegian structure above the Arctic Circle (founded in 1307). The fortress is still actively used by the Norwegian military, but it is open to the public.
Beyond the Boundaries of Time
Traveling through Norway is beautiful, with each of the mentioned sites telling its unique story of human courage, faith, and creativity. Wherever your journey takes you, this northern country will show you that history is not just carved in stone, but that it still lives in every present moment.
Image: Pexels – krajina-obloha-domy-voda-3580098
